Articles / Patron and Pupil
Interview

Patron and Pupil

To become independent legal professionals, newly qualified lawyers in the Netherlands complete a three-year traineeship after graduating from law school. This includes a professional training programme designed to prepare them for legal practice. During this period, an experienced lawyer, known as a ‘patroon’ (supervising lawyer), provides guidance, legal expertise and practical support in their day-to-day work. Two supervising lawyers and two trainee lawyers explain how this works in practice.

Supervising Lawyer Anouk Cordang and Trainee Lawyer Daphne Derks

“Daphne is my rock”

“With the pace at which cases are handled, it is reassuring to have someone you can rely on,” Anouk Cordang begins. As a lawyer specialising in employment and social security law and a partner at Boels Zanders, she is Daphne Derks’ supervising lawyer. And she could not be happier about it. “We meet with clients and colleagues together and often agree on how to divide the work afterwards. Daphne really is my right-hand person.”

Daphne, in turn, is thoroughly enjoying her time at Boels Zanders. “Anouk is a real role model for me. I learn not only about the legal aspects of the profession, but also how to approach cases. Strategy, ethics, building relationships with clients: the full range of skills you need as a lawyer.” Anouk adds: “Sometimes we really sit down and work through things together. I bring more experience, while Daphne offers fresh perspectives. That makes working together very enjoyable.”

Things were different when Anouk was a trainee herself, she recalls. “My supervising lawyer also took me along to meetings and court hearings, but everything was much more formal than it is today.” What has always stayed with her is his hands-on mentality: providing practical advice of the highest quality. It is a lesson she now passes on to Daphne.

“We all benefit when Daphne becomes an excellent, fully independent lawyer. So stand up for yourself and make the most of your professional training.” She glances over at Daphne. “Fortunately, that comes naturally to her.”

“Anouk is one of the reasons I have so many opportunities to learn here,” Daphne says. “I hope that one day I will be able to do what she does. I am very focused on where I want to be in the future. Anouk sometimes reminds me to appreciate where I am right now.”

Anouk responds: “Daphne is not afraid to express her ambitions in employment law. I am certain she will achieve them. If there is one piece of advice I would give her, it is to enjoy the journey. But I think she is already doing that.”

Supervising Lawyer Jeffrey van Nuland and Trainee Lawyer Danique Detisch

 “Danique notices everything, and that keeps me on my toes”

“I have had the pleasure of working under Jeffrey’s guidance for three years now. And no, I am not being sarcastic.” Throughout her professional training, Danique Detisch has been supervised primarily by Jeffrey van Nuland, a specialist in corporate law. Jeffrey completed his own professional training seven years ago, also at Boels Zanders.

Jeffrey’s supervising lawyer gave him considerable freedom while remaining personally involved. “He only corrected me when he felt it was necessary. As a result, I always felt independent and free to develop my own approach.” Jeffrey now tries to apply that same approach himself.

According to Danique, it works well. “Jeffrey gives me the freedom to do things my own way and express my opinions. More importantly, he gives me the space to discover what those opinions actually are.”

She also appreciates his willingness to share his knowledge. “Jeffrey is passionate about what he does, and that enthusiasm is contagious. He takes me through his thought process. But it is also about practical matters. How do you write an email? What tone should you use when communicating with clients? How do you express your opinion within the team while showing respect for your colleagues?”

Above all, the most important thing Danique has learned from Jeffrey is to have confidence in herself. “By asking questions or sharing my thought process, I encourage her to come up with solutions herself,” Jeffrey explains. “Afterwards, we can always look at whether we need to develop those ideas further together.” And he believes she has every reason to be confident. “Danique notices absolutely everything, which keeps me on my toes as well. She brings different perspectives to the table. And watching how she interacts with people is a learning experience for me too.”

Both appreciate this mutual exchange and see it as characteristic of the culture at Boels Zanders. Whether you are just starting your career or have years of experience, there is always something to learn from others, and everyone’s door is open.

Jeffrey recently attended a court hearing where he was impressed by the performance of another colleague. “It just goes to show that you never stop learning.”

Danique concludes: “I am genuinely happy to be working with Jeffrey and to be part of such a great team at Boels Zanders.”

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